Newsday Transforms Mobile Experience with Vertical Video Feature

MELVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 11, 2025 – Newsday Media Group, recognized as a pioneer in the digital media landscape, has launched a significant shift in its mobile application, making it one of the first local media outlets to focus primarily on vertical video. The app will now embrace a vertical (9:16 aspect ratio) format tailored for mobile users, optimizing the storytelling experience for those who consume news on their smartphones.

Gone are the days of horizontal video as Newsday seeks to align with the viewing habits of its audience. Recent research indicates that most users keep their mobile devices in a vertical position while watching videos, leading to higher engagement and completion rates for content designed in this format. Now, with intuitive swipe-up and swipe-down controls reminiscent of popular platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, users can seamlessly navigate through an engaging array of video content.

Debby Krenek, Publisher of Newsday, stated, "As our readers’ viewing habits have shifted, our transformation to vertical video allows us to meet them where they are, enhancing their overall experience. It is vital for us to adapt and grow with our audience's needs." This initiative represents a turning point in Newsday’s approach to mobile video, demonstrating their commitment to evolving in the fast-paced world of digital media.

The introduction of vertical video is not just a cosmetic change; it symbolizes Newsday’s strategic movement towards more dynamic content delivery. The Newsday app will now feature a compilation of video clips originally created for their social media channels, including popular cuts from NewsdayTV, the company’s recent venture into video streaming. This new feature aligns with their mission to provide audiences with compelling content they can engage with on-the-go.

Furthermore, these vertical videos are designed to transcend various platforms, working seamlessly across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, thereby extending the reach of Newsday’s coverage to even broader audiences. The Newsday app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices, offering users immediate access to a diverse selection of news content presented in a fresh and engaging format.

The transition to vertical video echoes a broader trend across media consumption, where quick, engaging formats are preferred over traditional media formats. Newsday's vertical video initiative marks the continuation of its evolution from a traditional newspaper to a cutting-edge multimedia organization, with numerous awards for their groundbreaking journalism. With 19 Pulitzer Prizes under its belt, Newsday aims to reinforce its legacy as a reliable source of news and information for Long Islanders.

As part of this evolution, Newsday Media Group continues to prioritize local journalism and investigative reporting, cementing their role as the leading information source for Long Island residents. By launching events that resonate with local issues and cultivating conversations that matter, they stand out as an institution committed to community engagement.

In summary, the new vertical video feature within the Newsday app represents a major leap towards enhancing viewer experiences and aligning with modern consumption trends. This approach not only satisfies the demands of a mobile-first audience but also positions Newsday as a forerunner in local media innovation. To learn more about this exciting development, visit newsday.com.

For further inquiries, feel free to contact Tara Rogers, Communications Manager at Newsday, via phone at 631-843-2755.